Majorca Mastiff
Other names: Presa Mallorquin, Majorca Bulldog, Majorca Mastiff
The Ca De Bou, or the Majorcan Mastiff, is a stocky, extremely powerful breed that was developed near the Iberian Peninsula. Like all mastiffs, the Ca De Bou has large, muscular shoulders and a huge head. Unsurprisingly, these imposing looking animals were used as guard dogs in coastal settlements to ward off pirates and would be robbers. Despite their appearance, these dogs become very docile and quiet when not on duty. And as long as they receive the right training and socialisation, they make excellent family pets.
Key facts about the Majorca Mastiff
Origins and history
Unfortunately, the earliest records of these dogs show that they were used in the Mediterranean as fighting dogs and bear baiters. Luckily, as these barbaric practices began to decline, the Ca de Bou found a new lease of life as a guard dog and a watchdog.
In the eighteenth century, when Mallorca became an English colony after the Treaty of Utrecht, the English began to cross their guard and combat dogs with the Great Iberian Mastiff, obtaining the Ca de Bou (also called the Perro in his country). In the Spanish Book of Origins of 1923, we already see the existence of this breed. The first subject was inscribed in 1928 and, in 1929, a copy of this dog won the Barcelona exhibition.
It was first registered by the FCI in 1964. The breed experienced a dip in numbers during the following decades but had a welcome resurgence in the late 1980s, becoming especially popular in Russian and Eastern Europe. The first Ca de Bous were introduced to the UK around 2001.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 1 : Pinscher and Schnauzer type
Physical characteristics of the Majorca Mastiff
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 22 in
Male : Between 22 and 23 in
Weight
Female : Between 66 and 75 lb
Male : Between 77 and 84 lb
Coat colour
Brindle. Fawn. Black. Tan. Black.
Type of coat
Short. Flat. Rough.
Eye colour
Dark.
Description
The Majorca Mastiff is a medium-sized dog with a powerful grip. He has an elongated, muscular frame, with short but powerful legs. He has a thick neck and very large head with a stubby muzzle and small ears. The tail is fat at the base and narrows towards the tip, ending in a point. There’s a notable difference between the sexes; the males tend to be much larger.
Good to know
These dogs are very, very strong. Owners need to treat them with a firm but fair hand. Socialise as soon as possible. A poorly trained Mastiff can be extremely difficult to handle. Don’t let these powerful dogs get the better of you. They’re naturally obedient but they will also take advantage of passive owners.